Violence against women continues to be an issue, not only in North America, but around the globe.
On Dec. 2, in honour of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Bradford West Gwillimbury Women’s+ Group is hosting a very special session.
‘Shatter the Silence, End the Violence’ will focus on the story of a local survivor of sex trafficking and her mom, and include a candlelight vigil, to remember and honour all survivors of gender-based violence.
Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in the Fill the Purse for a Sister community drive, and contribute to the sponsorship of a single-parent family in Bradford – a 28-year-old mom, her five-year-old son, and 18-month-old baby girl.
The Fill a Purse campaign is running from Nov. 25 to 29, sending out collection boxes to all participants, asking that they fill the box with donations of personal care items: shampoo/conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hair brushes, lip balm, mitts and scarves, candies, tampons and pads, etc.
The Bradford Women’s+ Group will pick up the boxes, donate the purses, write a note of comfort to the recipients, and stuff the purses with donated items at the Dec. 2 session.
All donations will go to women currently accessing the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie, David Busby Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County, Barrie Food Bank, Youth Haven, and BradfordWORKS.
Shatter the Silence, End the Violence takes place in Zima Room at the Bradford Library, 425 Holland St. West, on Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please pre-register online, by clicking here, or call or text 905-251-9926.
One in two women have experienced physical or sexual violence, since the age of 16. Help raise awareness and end the violence. Due to the sensitive nature of the information, this event is limited to women+ who are 18 or older.
